Childminder in StockportOfsted inspection, 6 Oct 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY241251 Inspection date 06 October 2005 Inspector Julie Wright

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2002. She lives with her partner and 2 children aged 7 and 5 years in an area of Stockport. The house is within walking distance of local schools, parks, shops and playgroups. The whole of the ground floor which includes the front room, play room and kitchen are used for childminding. The bathroom is on the first floor and there is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. There are currently five children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The childminder attends local carer and toddler groups on a regular basis. She is member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are protected from the risk of illness and infection through the clear sickness policy. They learn about good hygiene routines as they wash their hands at appropriate times. The childminder implements effective procedures to prevent cross infection, for example, the children use individual colour coded towels and flannels. Nappy changing practice is suitable and hygienic. Accident and medication records are accurately maintained to safeguard children. Their health is promoted through the care provided. Outdoor play is encouraged and good use is made of the garden and field at the back of the house. Children enjoy the space to run and play as they develop co-ordination skills. They also enjoy regular outings which includes trips to the park and toddler groups. When possible the childminder walks the children so that they begin to understand about good health and the benefits of exercise. Children

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Helping children to be healthy

socialise with each other and their physical development is promoted. Arrangements for meals are made in consultation with parents to meet children's individual requirements. Children benefit from varied, nutritious foods and regular drinks which promote their growth and development. They develop a positive attitude and awareness of healthy eating as they occasionally help to prepare after school snacks. Children are confident and develop their social skills as they sit together to eat.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are familiar with the setting which provides a warm, welcoming and secure environment. Good use is made of the space indoors and out. The designated play room is child focussed and attractive to children. They are able to access a variety of toys and activities which are well-maintained and clearly organised. Additional resources are available from the toy library and include positive images of diversity. The childminder has a good range of age-appropriate equipment for the care of babies and toddlers. Children are safe in the home as the childminder supervises the children at all times. She demonstrates a good understanding of safety issues and has written consent for most outdoor activities. Fire safety equipment is in place and household hazards are minimised to protect children from harm. The welfare of children is ensured on outings as the childminder demonstrates a sound knowledge of safety. For example,

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

she makes sure that car seats and harnesses are age and weight appropriate for individual children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues and the local procedures. She has a written policy and a child protection statement to inform parents of her responsibilities. The welfare of children is safeguarded as the childminder attends relevant training to update her knowledge.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder has warm, affectionate relationships with the children. Children are happily occupied and play well together. They explore with confidence and enjoy making independent choices. School children make decisions and can plan for what they want to do after school. The childminder values their ideas and offers a balance of free play with organised activities. Children's interest is extended as creative play is linked to current themes, such as autumn. The childminder interacts well with them and supports their play to promote all areas of development. Routines are well planned to meet the needs of the children present. Children are stimulated and motivated in play as the childminder provides a broad range of activities. She demonstrates a clear awareness of child development and the purpose of play. Children would benefit from the further development of the range of natural play materials available. The children take an active part in play opportunities

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

outside the home such as visits to parks and toddler groups. They enjoy the experience of using public transport such as a train ride to Buxton.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a clear understanding of equal opportunities. She provides resources which reflect diversity and also uses the toy library on a regular basis. Themed activities help children to become aware of the wider world. They learn about differences in themselves and others. The childminder encourages positive attitudes in children as they are encouraged to share, take turns and to respect each other. The childminder has a clear awareness of special needs issues and considers the needs of all children to promote inclusion. Children respond well to the positive approach to behaviour management. They are aware of simple rules and expectations and are co-operative. Children are praised for their achievements and encouraged in their play. Self-esteem is promoted as children's pictures are displayed and their ideas included in the activities. The children are settled and confident with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder promotes positive relationships with parents. Regular discussions and record keeping ensure that the needs of children are met. Parents are advised of childcare practice and routines through the detailed information file and leaflet. The childminder is pro-active in seeking parent's views. They complete questionnaires about the provision and provide positive feedback on all aspects of care. Good working relationships develop which ensure effective, consistent care for children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises her time and space effectively to meet the needs of the children. They are happy and well cared for in the home. She demonstrates a commitment to good practice through regular updated training. Since the last inspection courses have included Anti-bullying, ADHD, Assertiveness, Developing Professional Practice, Child Protection and Behaviour Management, which have further developed the good care offered to the children. Consistent care of children is assured as documentation and records are efficiently maintained and well organised. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of her responsibilities as a childminder. She responds promptly to revisions of the national standards, such as implementing a complaints procedure. Parents are notified of inspection and their comments valued. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to obtain appropriate insurance cover for transporting children and to develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues through training. The car insurance now includes cover for business use and the childminder attended a child protection course in May 2004. These actions have resulted in improvements to the safety of children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted. There are no complaints to report.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that resources include a variety of natural materials to improve the sensory play opportunities for children • seek written parental permission from parents for children to use the trampoline to ensure safety.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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